All-wheel drive vehicle power train
US4867260A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1988 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/22
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drive line assembly and mounting arrangement for converting a front engine front wheel drive vehicle to an on-demand four wheel drive system. The vehicle rear axle is adapted to be selectively driven by means of a viscous fluid coupling positioned intermediate a forward angled universal-joint drive line assembly and a rear torque tube enclosed longitudinal propeller shaft assembly. An overrunning clutch is rigidly connected intermediate a forwardly extending neck portion of the rear axle drive housing and the torque tube defines a composite torque tube structure. The overrunning clutch is adapted to be locked for a transmission of torque during normal driving. The rear axle drive housing is sprung from the frame by a pair of transversely aligned isolation mounts while the composite torque tube is resiliently secured by a bracket support adjacent its forward end. The composite torque tube provides an extended lever arm of a predetermined length that oscillates in a vertical plane about the transverse axis of the pair of rear mounts whereby the reaction torque vibrations from the rear axle drive imparted to the forward resilient bracket support are effectively dampened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.